Keeping in mind that courage and bravery are not one in the same you will come to find that most of us can easily muster up courage if we so chose. Bravery, with no intent to diminish its importance, is simply following through an act whether or not you know the outcome or sacrifices that may be associated. Courage is full consciousness that you are in the presence of your adversities and/or obstacles yet retaining the reserve to analyze and seek dominance of such temporary circumstances.
Courage is a form of faith, I’d go as far as to say one of the greatest forms of faith as it is faith in one’s self. Belief in one self, outside the parameters of conceit and vanity, helps remind us of the value we possess and will soon possess if we keep true to heart that which matters most to us. Courage as this form of belief allows the person who practices it properly to find satisfaction and inspiration from within.
The question for most should not be, “why has courage failed me?” but instead “why have I lost faith in courage?” It has become second nature to lose our grip on life as we get older. We lose many childhood traits in order to conform or adapt with the norms of society and peers. One of the easiest traits to lay aside is indeed courage, simply because sometimes it requires us to go against past failures and at other times it places discomfort with those dear to our heart if they don’t fully comprehend our motives. A truth that we must remind ourselves is that courage in its natural essence should not have a negative aura about it. If ever your imagination is mischievous enough to create obstacles, courage will allow you to push through such obstacles. Courage at times is simply a matter of putting your imagination into perspective and finding what is true and then realizing how little the truth will actually hurt you. And if by some misfortune the truth causes you harm, keep in mind it is only temporary harm. Harm you can see, hold and control. Soon you will notice that all these obstacles you have overcome brings you not only closer to your goal but the satisfaction and confidence that comes with building oneself from the inside out.
I believe we should make courage a natural part of our lifestyle. But I can understand that it may not be a component of all personalities. Yet we can still at least make small bounds of courage in our daily lives. Many create habits of drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, riding bikes, jogging, watching a sitcom, etc. Why not become creatures of habit with courageous acts that will help benefit our lives and hopefully the lives of others.
My favorite source of daily courage is courtesy. I’m extremely shy and find that courteous deeds are courageous feats for me. I make a conscious effort to be courteous and/or express courtesy every day. Sometimes it’s as simple as allowing a car to cross into my lane with no hassle, holding the door open for a passerby or offering my assistance to those who need it. Personally, I try to do this courageous deed within the first two hours of my active day and it in turn fuels my day with more ambition. Everyone can find something that is a bit of a challenge that they can overcome in slow droves while helping their fellowman.
Take some time to invest in the courage you hold within and you will notice that the challenges you now face are quite humorous and frivolous in comparison with the courage you’ve held captive in storage.
Seeing The Light
This morning the Sun rose in a certain direction
And from this direction came a certain protection
Fortunate was I to catch the first light glow
It seems now I know all I need to know
All my worries cast away
For this light glows in every way
All flaws I used to hide
Now bring about a great sense of pride
For the stars I no longer reach
All types of lights seek me, one of each
Unto me darkness is of reminiscent
Brightness is all that is persistent
For I am protected from all harm
This light only comes in a depth that’s warm
So unto you I say, keep all darkness out of sight
Pray that one day you too will meet this light
Take this advice to heart; courage has the power to give each day its immortality, so muster up courage to live, love and think differently!
VLJ
